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A doggy daycare, friends, and family have offered to take in Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau’s dog after the Staffordshire bull terrier was almost hounded out of town.

The Herald revealed Whanau’s 2-year-old dog  after his visits to the office were found to be in breach of the council’s tenancy agreement.

Whanau said she has since received several offers from people who’ve said they will watch Teddy for her.

“All have said Teddy must stay with me because we love each other too much. It’s been a heartwarming day.”

Tory Whanau with her dog Teddy. Photo / Supplied

The new plan is for friends and family to watch Teddy on Mondays and Fridays and then for the doggy daycare to take him overnight for three days.

“I’m so overwhelmed by people wanting this to work for me and keep Teddy in the city.”

Whanau said she could afford to send Teddy away for overnight care for three days with others helping out the rest of the week.

It comes after revelations Whanau was bringing Teddy to the office, despite Wellington Council’s lease agreement not allowing animals on the premises.

The council had not received any complaints from the landlord .

Whanau’s office has since checked with the landlord who has confirmed no dogs are allowed.

The mayor said earlier Teddy would most likely be sent to Levin to live with her sister.

“I am sad ... he’s my little baby and this job has long hours. It’s a lonely job and I’m single, so don’t have a support network at home, so Teddy was my support.”

It has been a tough month for the mayor after  when she forgot to pay the bill, the situation with Teddy, and ongoing criticism of her attendance at civic events.

Whanau has found the recent attention on her unusual and said it has been a big learning experience.

If she could have changed something, 

“I’ve gone through a bit of a process of mourning my past life, my private life, and I wasn’t letting it go. I’ve let that go and I’m ready to move on and focus on the city.”

Georgina Campbell is a Wellington-based reporter who has a particular interest in local government, transport, and seismic issues. She joined the Herald in 2019 after working as a broadcast journalist.